Latest News and Breaking Stories

live UK deploys warship to Hormuz as Israeli strike kills at least seven in Lebanon - Middle East conflict on 10 May

Tensions around Hormuz remain high as the UK Ministry of Defence repositions the warship HMS Dragon for a possible multinational shipping protection mission, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry says at least seven people have been killed following an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon.

MV Hondius arrives off Tenerife as passengers set for evacuation

13:11

Hantavirus

live MV Hondius arrives off Tenerife as passengers set for evacuation

Health authorities are monitoring a widening hantavirus alert after new suspected cases emerged in Spain and on a remote South Atlantic island, days after an outbreak on a cruise ship left three people dead and several others infected.

Russia holds scaled-back Victory Day parade, rejects prolonged ceasefire

23:54

Russia-Ukraine

Russia holds scaled-back Victory Day parade, rejects prolonged ceasefire

Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

11:37

UK local elections: Is it over for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer?

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to carry on as leader on Friday (8 May) after his ruling Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections. Labour lost hundreds of councillors across the country, as some figures in the party said he should stand down.

Minval Politika releases new Ocampo footage on alleged contacts with Armenia’s foreign minister

20:37

Politics

Minval Politika releases new Ocampo footage on alleged contacts with Armenia’s foreign minister

Minval Politika has released new footage it says shows former International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged contacts with Armenia’s foreign minister and campaigns linked to Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Fico cites Azerbaijan’s sovereign policy as Aliyev thanks Slovak leader for support

12:09

Azerbaijan-Slovakia

Fico cites Azerbaijan’s sovereign policy as Aliyev thanks Slovak leader for support

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev during talks in Yerevan, where he sharply criticised resolutions adopted against his country by the European Parliament.

Baku State University and AnewZ sign cooperation memorandum

12:03

AnewZ-BSU cooperation

Baku State University and AnewZ sign cooperation memorandum

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Baku State University (BSU) and the international television channel AnewZ, marking a new stage of cooperation in journalism education and media development.

08:47

ASEAN summit

Southeast Asian leaders seek strategy to ease impacts of Iran war at ASEAN summit

Leaders of Southeast Asian nations gathered in the Philippines on 8 May for an ASEAN summit focused heavily on the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, with member states seeking a coordinated response to rising energy and food security risks.

Azerbaijan-Türkiye alignment at centre of Macron border controversy

23:04

Peace Process

Azerbaijan-Türkiye alignment at centre of Macron border controversy

Reports that Emmanuel Macron planned to cross from Armenia into Türkiye via their closed border - and was reportedly blocked following consultations with Azerbaijan - have sparked renewed debate on South Caucasus diplomacy.

53min ago

Middle East Conflict

live UK deploys warship to Hormuz as Israeli strike kills at least seven in Lebanon - Middle East conflict on 10 May

Tensions around Hormuz remain high as the UK Ministry of Defence repositions the warship HMS Dragon for a possible multinational shipping protectio...

1h ago

Hantavirus

live MV Hondius arrives off Tenerife as passengers set for evacuation

Health authorities are monitoring a widening hantavirus alert after new suspected cases emerged in Spain and on a remote South Atlantic island, day...

2h ago

Azerbaijan-Slovakia

Fico cites Azerbaijan’s sovereign policy as Aliyev thanks Slovak leader for support

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling rem...

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

5h ago

China Export

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies a...

14h ago

Russia-Ukraine

Russia holds scaled-back Victory Day parade, rejects prolonged ceasefire

Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing w...

Baykar signs first export deal for Kizilelma drone at SAHA 2026

21:21

View from Türkiye

Baykar signs first export deal for Kizilelma drone at SAHA 2026

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar signed its first export agreement on Wednesday for the newly unveiled Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

World

World News

13:58

Somalia

WFP warns Somalia faces worsening malnutrition crisis without urgent aid

Somalia is facing a severe malnutrition crisis and urgently needs additional humanitarian funding to prevent conditions deteriorating further, the World Food Programme has warned.

Starmer under pressure as Labour suffers heavy local election losses

09:38

Elections

Starmer under pressure as Labour suffers heavy local election losses

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suffered heavy early losses in local elections on 8 May 2026, as results pointed to significant voter backlash against his Labour government and renewed questions over his leadership just two years after a landslide general election win.

18:07

Libya

Libya refinery shuts and emergency declared after clashes near Tripoli

Libya’s largest operating oil refinery has been shut down and an emergency declared after clashes erupted near the facility in Zawiya, west of Tripoli, according to two engineers and the refinery’s operator.

Britain summons Chinese ambassador over spying allegations

10:09

Spying Case

Britain summons Chinese ambassador over spying allegations

Britain will summon the Chinese ambassador after two men were convicted in a London court of spying on behalf of Hong Kong and ultimately China, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said on 8 May.

Business

Business Economy Markets

08:42

China Export

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

10:30

Markets

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.

Global stocks surge and oil prices slide on hopes of Iran deal

01:36

Markets

Global stocks surge and oil prices slide on hopes of Iran deal

Stocks around the world climbed to fresh record highs on Wednesday (6 May), while oil prices fell sharply, after reports suggested the United States and Iran were nearing an agreement to end conflict.

Trump plans to raise tariffs on EU car imports to 25%

13:38

U.S.-EU Trade Tariff

Trump plans to raise tariffs on EU car imports to 25%

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, up from the 15% level agreed last year, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with its trade commitments.

Renewables in focus as Iran war pushes up Europe’s power prices

01:47

Renewable energy

Renewables in focus as Iran war pushes up Europe’s power prices

As the Iran war disrupts global flows of oil and gas and energy prices skyrocket, the Drin River, which descends through the mountains of northern Albania, is acting as a kind of shield.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

08:28

Visual arts

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

19:25

Kanye West Europe tour

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

Ye will perform in Tbilisi on 12 June as part of a Georgian government-funded programme, despite being barred from entering the U.K. and facing mounting concert cancellations across Europe.

Singer Katy Perry to perform at 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

13:19

Formula 1

Singer Katy Perry to perform at 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 will mark its 10th anniversary with a major entertainment programme in Baku, headlined by global pop star Katy Perry.

08:57

Fashion

'Fashion is Art': Celebrity guests stun on the 2026 MET Gala red carpet in New York

The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art were transformed once again into the world's most prestigious runway for the 2026 Met Gala. This year’s theme, 'Costume Art,' invited guests to explore the intersection of nature, history, and the surreal under the official dress code 'Fashion Is Art'.

Most viewed

07:19

Middle East Conflict

Hezbollah claims attacks on Israel; Pentagon shows footage of strikes on Iranian tankers - Middle East conflict on 9 May

Efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war appeared to stall as the two sides exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A reported CIA assessment suggested Tehran could withstand a U.S. naval blockade for months despite mounting sanctions and renewed Gulf attacks.

18:21

Middle East Conflict

Iranian FM says missile capacity at 120%; Deadly Israeli strikes hit Lebanon - Middle East conflict on 8 May

The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, though both sides signalled they did not want escalation. The clashes come as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed deal to end the war while leaving key disputes, such as Iran’s nuclear programme, unresolved for now.

23:54

Russia-Ukraine

Russia holds scaled-back Victory Day parade, rejects prolonged ceasefire

Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

13:11

Hantavirus

live MV Hondius arrives off Tenerife as passengers set for evacuation

10:53

Eruption

Indonesia locates missing Singaporeans after Mount Dukono eruption

Indonesian rescue teams have located two Singaporeans who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday (8 May) on the island of Halmahera, though authorities say it remains unclear whether they are alive.

Health

Health news Healthcare

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

21:02

Haiti Hunger Crisis

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

20:46

meningitis Outbreak

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

10:40

Middle East Conflict

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.

13:09

Hantavirus

WHO: 'This is not COVID' as countries track passengers of Hantavirus-hit cruise ship

Countries worldwide sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since.

12:08

Hantavirus

Singapore isolates cruise passengers linked to deadly hantavirus outbreak

Singapore has isolated and is testing two of its residents who travelled aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday.

Argentinian authorities reconstructing journeys of luxury cruise passengers who presented with hantavirus symptoms

19:40

Hantavirus Update

Argentinian authorities reconstructing journeys of luxury cruise passengers who presented with hantavirus symptoms

Argentinian authorities are reconstructing the journeys of Dutch citizens who presented with symptoms of deadly hantavirus after visiting Argentina and Chile as part of a luxury cruise trip, the country's Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (6 May)

Travel

Travel News Destinations

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

13:23

Fuel crisis

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

ITA Airways is preparing to raise ticket prices by between 5% and 10% this year as soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the U.S. continue to pressure airlines worldwide.

12:14

Tourism

Dubai's tourism, revenues and restaurants shrink as Iran war impacts travel

Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes.

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

11:58

Travel Restrictions

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

20:52

Tourism Impact

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

Tropical forest loss declines in 2025 from record high, report finds

01:28

Climate change

Tropical forest loss declines in 2025 from record high, report finds

Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.

Kazakhstan ratifies green energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

11:41

View from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan ratifies green energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan has ratified a regional green energy agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, signalling Central Asia’s ambition to become a key supplier of renewable energy to international markets.

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

23:33

Green Transport

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

09:45

Climate

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.

16:15

Climate risks

Central Asia steps up action on rapid glacier melt and climate risks

Central Asia is stepping up efforts to address rapid glacier melt, following United Nations warnings of unprecedented climate pressure on mountain ecosystems.

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